PAS, Umno can discuss Pahang MB post, says state chief

Pahang PAS Commissioner Rosli Jabar has stated that the party is open to discussing the position of the Pahang Menteri Besar (Chief Minister) with Umno, should cooperation between the two parties be achievable in time for the 16th general election (GE16). He emphasized that PAS is not seeking a confrontational approach in this regard.

Jabar's comments come in response to remarks made by Pahang Umno Chief and Menteri Besar Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail, who indicated that Umno is open to collaboration with any party, including PAS, if such partnership is beneficial to the people and the state.

In the last state election, Umno secured 16 out of the 17 state seats won by Barisan Nasional (BN), while PAS, contesting under Perikatan Nasional, won 15 seats while Pakatan Harapan (PH) managed to secure eight. As a result, BN formed a coalition with PH to establish the Pahang state government under Wan Rosdy. Jabar, who is also the representative for Tanjung Lumpur, noted that the slight numerical difference between the two parties should not be a hindrance to cooperation, provided both sides demonstrate respect towards each other.

Interestingly, Jabar also hinted that PAS might be willing to abandon its current slogan of leading Pahang or taking over the state, should genuine unity be established between Umno and PAS. This position emerges from a perspective where such unity does not currently exist. Additionally, PAS Deputy President Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man cautioned against premature discussions regarding seat allocations and government positions, stressing the importance of understanding and sincerity in fostering cooperation between the two parties.